Kellogg MBA Recommendation Questions
The Northwestern MBA application is live for the Class of 2029 — meaning that the Kellogg MBA recommendation questions for the 2026-2027 admissions season are now available to recommenders of Northwestern / Kellogg MBA applicants.
Applicants are asked to submit two recommendations from individuals who can objectively assess and speak directly about their professional experience and leadership promise. Recommenders are asked to provide background information about their relationship with the applicant and briefly respond to four questions about constructive feedback and how the applicant compares to others. It is preferred that one recommendation come from a current supervisor, but if that is not possible, the application provides a drop-down with several options to note why.
2026-2027 Northwestern / Kellogg MBA Recommendation Questions
Recommender Information
Context of Relationship:
- Current Direct Supervisor
- Current Skip-level Supervisor
- Board Member
- Client
- Colleague
- Former Supervisor
- Project Manager
- University/Academic
- Extracurricular/Community
- Other
Highest Degree Earned:
- No Degree in Higher Education
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- JD
- MBA
- MD
- Doctoral Degree
- Other
Are you a Kellogg Alumnus?
Have known candidate since:
Please comment briefly on the context of your interaction with the applicant and his/her role in your organization.
What has been the candidate’s most significant contribution to your organization? Provide measurable impact if applicable.
Based on your professional experience, how do you rate this candidate compared to their peer group?
- The best I’ve encountered in my career
- Outstanding (Top 5%)
- Excellent (Top 10%)
- Very good (well above average)
- Average
- Below average
- No basis
If needed, please explain any rankings above (max 250 characters).
Do you recommend this candidate for Kellogg?
- Recommend the candidate
- Recommend the candidate with reservations
- Do not recommend the candidate
Are you willing to speak with an admissions officer about this candidate? (yes/no)
Should the candidate accept an offer of admission, I understand I may be contacted by Re Vera Services as part of the application verification process, via phone and/or email, to verify authenticity of this letter of recommendation.
Recommendation Letter
After completing the assessment section above, recommenders are presented with the following Kellogg MBA recommendation questions for uploading in a letter:
- Share an example of how the candidate has engaged with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders who held perspectives different from their own. How did they navigate the situation, and what does this demonstrate about their ability to lead or collaborate in complex environments? (300 words)
- How does the candidate’s performance compare to those of other well-qualified individuals in similar roles? Please provide specific examples. (300 words)
- Describe the most important piece of constructive feedback you have given the candidate. Please detail the circumstances and the applicant’s response. (250 words)
- (Optional) Is there anything else you would like us to know?
MBA Applywire
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Leadership from University of Minnesota Twin Cities (2022)
GPA: 3.3/4.0
Professional Experience:
I began my career at Cummins Inc., a global leader in commercial vehicle propulsion systems, as a Test Engineer focused on powertrain validation. I was responsible for validating the functionality of engines and then later progressed into a Senior Field Test Engineer role where I was testing the engines in trucks, leading technical and strategic team meetings and was also mentoring junior engineers.
In mid-2026, I relocated to Pakistan to join Lucky Motor Corporation as a Manufacturing Engineer in the Reliability & Compliance function. Here, I transitioned from validation to production, where I lead daily quality and reliability investigations, drive line balancing optimization using Yamazumi charting, and own production launch readiness initiatives.
Entrepreneurial Background:
During my undergraduate years, I co-founded an online export-quality apparel resale business. Within a year, we scaled to over Rs 1.5 million in revenue and managed a remote team of 10–15 people. While the business didn't sustain into its second year as competition intensified, the experience taught me the critical importance of strategic planning, market positioning, and team leadership.
Community Involvement:
I remain active in my community through leadership roles—I managed Cummins's World Cup team in 2023 (strategy, team organization, execution) and held officer positions in my university's Pakistani Society. More recently, I've mentored junior engineers transitioning from validation into manufacturing roles, helping them navigate the technical and interpersonal dimensions of production environments.
Post-MBA Goals:
My immediate goal is to move into a Product or Program Management role at an automotive OEM or Tier 1 supplier, where I can own a product line's roadmap and drive cross-functional alignment on cost, schedule, and delivery. Over the longer term (5–10 years), I want to become a senior strategy leader in the automotive industry, shaping which products and technologies to bring to market, which markets to enter, and where to invest.
Questions for reviewer:
How competitive is my profile to not only get admission but also get a decent scholarship at these programs.
What do schools like to hear from candidates coming from an engineering background?
Are there any other schools I could add/replace with one on my list - my priority is scholarships.
Background: Pakistani male currently based in Tokyo, Japan
Academics:
Undergraduate degree from a leading university in Pakistan
GPA: 3.44
GRE: 334
Professional experience:
I began my career at a global research and expert network firm in Pakistan, where I supported quantitative research for major strategy consulting firms. My work included designing and delivering surveys for projects involving market entry, commercial due diligence, and growth strategy. I progressed into a team leadership role, managing research delivery and junior colleagues.
I later joined the Japan business of a large multinational consumer goods company and relocated from Pakistan to Tokyo following my professional progression. I currently work in category and consumer insights, supporting portfolio and investment decisions for a smoke free product business. My responsibilities include translating consumer behavior, market trends, and competitor activity into recommendations for senior management. I also manage our qualitative research budget, oversee external research agencies, and lead three analysts.
International exposure:
I have worked with consulting clients across international markets and have experience working for the Japanese market both remotely from Pakistan and in person after relocating to Tokyo. My professional experience has required me to adapt to a new country, business environment, and language while influencing cross functional decisions.
Community involvement:
I volunteer with a rural development organization in Pakistan, contributing to grant proposals and conducting workshops for small agribusiness owners on business planning, cost management, pricing, and digitization. This work is personally meaningful because of my family’s roots in the region.
Post MBA goal:
My immediate goal is to join the consumer products practice of a leading strategy consulting firm in the United States. Over the longer term, I want to build a consulting firm that gives small and medium sized consumer goods businesses across South Asia the evidence and strategic support needed to compete with larger companies and scale sustainably.
Target programs:
Tuck, Ross, Cornell, Yale, Kellogg, CBS
Questions for reviewers:
How competitive is my profile for these programs?
Is my school list appropriately balanced?
Which aspects of my profile should I emphasize most strongly?
Undergrad in managerial economics GPA 3.6, and masters in applied economics GPA 3.7. Over 5 years in economic consulting for mid-tier firms. Recent involuntary departure from last firm. Somewhat worried about letters of rec given that circumstance. Want to pivot into corporate side like strategic finance, probably in tech or maybe energy.